Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) says it has formed its own government as it marks two years of a vicious power struggle with the Sudanese army that has left tens of thousands killed and millions homeless. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo said in a statement Tuesday that his militia and its civilian allies “have chosen a different path” and have declared “the establishment of the Government of Peace and Unity,” describing it as “a broad civilian coalition.” “We are building the only realistic future for Sudan,” added Dagalo whose militia has been accused of genocide. The RSF began the audacious move to create a rival government in the areas under its control in February, and around that time, signed a charter with political and smaller armed groups allied to it. Swaths of Sudan are controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) but almost all of Darfur, a region roughly the size of France, is held by the RSF. The group also retains footholds in the neighboring states of West Kordofan and North Kordofan, a map released last month by the SAF shows. Since April 2023, Dagalo and former ally Abdel Fattah al-Burhan who heads the SAF have shunned global efforts to end their feud and have bitterly competed for control of the country. Both men, who are two of Sudan’s most powerful generals, jointly deposed the country’s long-time leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and subsequently played a role in a military coup two years later. Disagreements between them on how to restore civilian rule after al-Bashir’s ouster have fueled the current war which the United Nations said was the world’s “most devastating humanitarian and displacement crisis.” The RSF’s declaration of a parallel government, which coincided with a high-level conference co-hosted by the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the African Union, and the European Union to find solutions to ending the conflict, complicates the peace efforts. A SAF spokesperson did not respond to CNN’s inquiry on the implications of the RSF’s declaration. For several weeks, fighting has intensified between the army and the RSF as government troops push to reclaim territories occupied by the militia. Last month, the army wrested control of the capital Khartoum from the RSF, forcing it to retreat from the city, in one of its major losses since the start of the war. Fighting has since shifted to other parts of the country, including Darfur, where the RSF is entrenched. On Sunday, the RSF claimed control of the Zamzam camp for displaced people in North Darfur, saying it had dislodged SAF’s troops who controlled the area. More than 300 people were killed in days of clashes between the rival factions, the UN said. At least 400,000 others were displaced from the camp, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration. The RSF said the camp, located around 15 kilometers south of North Darfur’s capital El Fasher, had been used as a military base by the SAF. El Fasher is the last major town in Darfur yet to be under RSF control. Its leader Dagalo believes that the group’s quest for autonomy is the only solution as war with the SAF rages with no end in sight. “Three years into this war, Sudan stands at a crossroads. Either we allow the past to drag us backward, or we forge a new way forward,” he said.
Sudan rebels declare rival government on anniversary of brutal 2-year war with army
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"RSF Declares Rival Government Amid Ongoing Conflict with Sudanese Army"
CNN
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
On the second anniversary of a brutal power struggle in Sudan, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced the formation of a rival government, declaring the establishment of the 'Government of Peace and Unity.' Led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the RSF claims to represent a broad coalition of civilian groups and has stated that it is pursuing a different path for the future of Sudan. This declaration comes amid ongoing conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by Dagalo's former ally, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The rivalry between these two powerful generals has escalated into a devastating war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. The RSF's announcement complicates international efforts to mediate peace, particularly as it coincides with a high-level conference aimed at resolving the conflict. The RSF has been consolidating control over significant territories, especially in Darfur, where it has faced fierce resistance from the SAF, which recently regained control of the capital, Khartoum, forcing the RSF to withdraw from the city.
As the conflict continues, the RSF has intensified its military operations, claiming control over the Zamzam camp for displaced persons in North Darfur after dislodging SAF troops. The United Nations has reported over 300 casualties in the latest clashes and noted that more than 400,000 individuals have been displaced from the camp due to the fighting. Dagalo has emphasized that the RSF's pursuit of autonomy is essential for Sudan's future, urging a departure from the historical power struggles that have plagued the nation. With the RSF's declaration of a parallel government and the ongoing military confrontations, Sudan finds itself at a critical juncture, where the choices made by its leaders will determine the country's path forward amidst a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The situation in Sudan reflects a deepening crisis marked by factional violence, geopolitical complexities, and humanitarian suffering. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accused of atrocities, have escalated tensions by declaring a rival government, further fracturing the country amid a two-year conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This move complicates international mediation efforts and signals a prolonged struggle for control.
Power Struggle and Fragmentation
The RSF’s announcement of a "Government of Peace and Unity" is a strategic bid to legitimize its authority in territories it controls, particularly Darfur and parts of Kordofan. By framing this as a "broad civilian coalition," the group aims to counter its reputation for violence and position itself as a viable governing alternative. However, its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, faces genocide allegations, undermining this narrative. The SAF, meanwhile, retains control over other regions, creating a de facto partition.
International Implications
The timing of the RSF’s declaration—coinciding with a high-level international conference on Sudan—suggests an attempt to disrupt diplomatic efforts. The involvement of European powers and the African Union highlights global concern, but the RSF’s move risks entrenching the conflict. The UN’s designation of the war as the world’s worst displacement crisis underscores the urgency, yet neither faction appears committed to concessions.
Historical Context and Motivations
The rivalry between Dagalo and SAF leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan stems from their shared role in ousting Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and subsequent disputes over transitioning to civilian rule. Their refusal to reconcile has fueled the war, with both sides prioritizing control over stability. The RSF’s civilian alliance may be an effort to gain political cover, but its militarized governance model raises doubts about genuine inclusivity.
Potential Manipulation and Media Narrative
The report emphasizes the RSF’s unilateral actions and its leader’s controversial record, potentially shaping perceptions of the group as a destabilizing force. The lack of SAF commentary leaves its stance ambiguous, though its territorial claims (per the released map) signal ongoing defiance. The article’s focus on international mediation failures may indirectly critique global inaction.
Economic and Social Fallout
Continued conflict will exacerbate Sudan’s humanitarian disaster, with millions displaced and aid access restricted. Economically, prolonged instability could deter foreign investment and deepen poverty. The RSF’s territorial gains might attract support from factions opposed to SAF dominance, but legitimacy remains a hurdle.
AI and Narrative Influence
While the article doesn’t overtly show AI manipulation, its structured presentation of RSF actions versus diplomatic efforts could reflect algorithmic prioritization of conflict-driven narratives. If AI tools were used, they might amplify the RSF’s defiance as a central theme, aligning with broader media trends framing Sudan as a fragmented state.
Credibility Assessment
The report is credible in its factual basis (e.g., RSF’s declaration, SAF-controlled areas) but leans heavily on the RSF’s contentious role without equal scrutiny of SAF abuses. The omission of SAF’s response to the rival government weakens balance. Overall, it serves as a snapshot of escalating tensions but could benefit from deeper contextual analysis.